What shall I do during lockdown? Write a poem! Tell me if you like it in the comments.
A Lockdown Poem by Catherine Green
A Lockdown Poem
The weekend is here
And we are stuck at home
School is still open
But our parties are cancelled
And there’s no playing with friends.
—–
We dig out the craft box
And see what we can make.
The girls get bored
I’m busy working.
—–
“We wrote some poems,”
they say,
“Will you publish them?”
How can I refuse?
—–
Look out for my daughters’ poems over the next 3 weekends. If you like what they write, please leave them a comment and they will write some more!
#MummyMonday Lockdown Fun
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Open your manuscript or a book you are reading, and let’s have some fun! Go to either page 7 or 77 of your manuscript. Count down 7 lines, then copy the next 7 lines to your status.
When I first did this, I tagged seven authors to share their books, but since we are all busy, I am leaving it as an open invitation for whoever wants to play.
Add your 7 lines in the comments below, or tag me in your blog post/social media.
Love Redeems A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
“Hello, Jack.” I answered, fighting to keep my voice firm.
“Jessica,” Jack replied, “Where are you? What happened?”
His voice sounded tinny, and I realised he must be driving and using the hands free kit. I heard the faint sound of traffic rushing past him, and a car horn blaring.
“I’m in the forest,” I said, “Above the wolves’ lair.”
Jack was silent for a moment.
“Are you alone?” he asked.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
The jittery, uncertain feeling that often accompanies anxiety is not one that is fun to experience. Indeed, it is so unformidable that we would do almost anything to stop or avoid it.
The good news is that there is no need to go to extreme or unhealthy measures to deal with the anxiety many of us feel in England’s 2nd lockdown. Instead, you can get some simple strategies to manage your stress at this time below.
Will we be able to go back to work soon? When can I see my friends? When can I go to the pub for a drink? Will I have a job at the end of the lockdown? How will the recession affect my home’s value, and will I be able to spend Christmas with my family are all questions burning on the minds of most people right now.
Indeed, there is such uncertainty in addition to the worry of catching Covid-19 that it can feel maddening. Of course, in life, there are rarely any true certainties. However, you can relieve some of the stress you are under right now by taking some steps to reduce uncertainty in your day to day life. One way of doing this is to create a budget for the next few months, so you know you will be able to cover the cost of your bills and Christmas without worry.
You can be proactive in dealing with uncertainty in small things too. For example, if you get a call from an unknown number, you can do a reverse phone lookup to determine who called you and whether you need to respond. The latter being much more constructive than worrying about the worst-case scenario and further adding to your anxious feelings.
Breath deeper
Breathing is something that we all do automatically. However, did you know that your mood affects how you breathe and vice versa? Indeed, when we are stressed, our breath tends to become fast and more shallow, which can further compound the situation and make it harder to calm down.
The good news is that you can do a lot to manage your mood by managing how you breathe. A good deep breath or two to start is excellent. Then moving on to square breathing, as this can help not only give your mind something to focus on but also calm down your nervous systems and help reduce the physical effects of anxiety.
Cut down on unnecessary stress
I’ve seen many people tackle cleaning and organisational issues around the house, with the extra time they are spending at home during lockdown. Of course, this is very admirable use of their time. However, whatever you do, don’t think that you have to take on any massive project right now, as these can easily cause extra stress and anxiety.
Instead, why not create a gentle routine for yourself that will act as a grounding anchor through the day, even if you do find yourself straying from it from time to time?
Mental Health Awareness
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I have come to associate this time of year with death and darkness. That doesn’t mean it has to be unpleasant. It seems that in my family and close circle of friends, our loved ones have passed during the dark months of the year.
In this blog post I explore the importance of connecting with my ancestors and how we can cross the veil between the living and the dead during the dark months of the year.
Connecting with my Ancestors
Connecting with my ancestors
Following All Hallows Eve, or Samhain (Halloween), I like to focus my attention on my ancestors, whoever they may be. It is important that I honour their contribution to my life, directly or indirectly, and pay my respects quietly and peacefully. Usually I will light candles on my altar, look at family photos, and take five or ten minutes out of my day to think about my departed grandparents and my remaining Nanna, who will be 90 tomorrow. She is grieving the loss of my Grandad, who died in March, and of course we cannot visit Nan due to the current lockdown restrictions. I feel very sad that we cannot gather together as a family, and we are a large family, but the times are changing, and we have to move with them. At least we have the telephone.
Earlier this week I signed up for an online Reiki Summit, and I thoroughly enjoying the speakers and meditations that have been shared for free. I have subsequently signed up for further meditation classes, and I am excited to develop my reiki practice further in the company of my peers from around the world. It is wonderful that we can connect energetically across great distances. I am already enjoying a weekly distance healing reiki share with the Reiki Association via Zoom, connecting with people that I wouldn’t ordinarily meet. There are upsides to this pandemic, not to be disrespectful to those who are struggling.
One meditation came from Sonja Bollnow. She works in generational healing and gave a short, guided meditation for an ancestral healing journey. That 10 minutes was utterly amazing; I’m still trying to make sense of it!
Meditation to connect with my ancestors
Sonja asked us to sit comfortably and do our usual preparation for Reiki meditation. I dry bathed and entered Hatsurei. My mind was blank, and I felt calm. Sonja asked us to call our parents into the meditation. I saw Mum sitting just in front of me on my left side, and Dad on my right, forming a triangle. I thanked them for bringing me into the world and for nurturing me, and I sent healing energy to both of them.
Sonja then asked us to call in our grandparents. That’s when I lost the plot. I started sobbing and crying, with tears streaming down my face. The dog didn’t know what to do! I begged my Nan not to give up and to accept the healing energy that I offered. She is suffering a lot of grief right now, not only for Grandad but for other family members. Grandad stood beside her in spirit, and I remembered the last time I saw him alive back in February this year.
Then I looked to Dad and saw Nan and Grandad H standing behind him. I could see their smiling faces and I can feel their pride for the family and for the achievements of their grandchildren. I sensed my aunts, uncles and cousins gathered around the respective parents, and with Sonja’s guidance, I invited great-grandparents and other ancestors to join us. My family is vast! I sent healing energy to everyone and I gently told Mum and Dad that I don’t need the pain of their divorce any longer. I let it go. My situation is not theirs and I am not repeating old patterns.
This short meditation was incredibly powerful and just what I needed. It’s amazing what you can achieve in 10 minutes!
Reiki Hatsurei “Prayer” Pose
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First-time mothers are facing a daunting task of taking care of their babies while at home. They might not have access to a maternity nurse all the time and their husband might be working long hours to now pay for a little one that has joined the family.
We understand how nervous and anxious you are and you’re wondering whether you have what it takes to give your child the best care. You shouldn’t worry because most of these fears are unfounded and taking care of a newborn isn’t rocket science. It’s tough and demanding but as long as you have a few things to help you manage, you should not have any kind of issue you cannot overcome.
Selfie of Catherine and baby daughter
What Will Help A New Mother The Most?
A snuggle lounger
Sometimes you don’t want your baby to move around. This is because you just want your child to stay within eyesight but still be comfortable as you make dinner or perhaps, have a little nap on the couch. A snuggle lounger is a bed which allows for the baby to sink into the middle and prevents him or her from rolling. So, your baby can still kick and punch the air, move around in a linear fashion, but rolling around is not going to occur. This is brilliant for when you are going to change your baby. Just place a blanket over the snuggle lounger and you can get to work. However, the snuggle lounger is something that you should place where you know it won’t fall or be forgotten about so the baby isn’t trodden on.
Shush little one
Allowing you to get some sleep is critical to your own mental health. New mothers find that they become less friendly and less motivated to take care of their child because they can’t get the rest they need. So, using a baby shusher is highly recommended in order to get your child to go to sleep constantly. It can be turned on for 15 or 30 minutes and the volume is adjustable. The product plays a ‘shhh’ noise that sounds like an adult shushing the baby but it can also sound like waves. As many of you know how useful wave sounds are to get to sleep, this is something that your baby will learn to get used to and nod off to bed very quickly. This is something that you can place beside your baby’s crib and allow to pay for half an hour or less. This is something that is also portable so you can have it while on the road and allow your baby to get to sleep without crying and being comfortable.
Cam over the crib
It’s common for mothers to worry about their newborn in the crib at night. Many mothers will be wary and mindful of cot death and how it can strike out of the blue for no reason. Even doctors don’t know why this occurs. So making sure you can see your baby at all times is crucial. The Cocoon Cam is something that you can hang over the baby and use the camera to look at your baby and also use the speaker. Speak to your baby if you think he or she is feeling scared or bewildered. Just the sound of your voice can do wonders for their mental health during sleep time. The camera can be adjusted and used with your smartphone. So you can always peek in and watch your baby in the crib while in another room or doing your shopping, etc.
Hanging with mom
Wanting your baby to be by your side as you do chores and go about your normal day in your home, is normal. That’s why buying a bassinet is so highly recommended. Your baby gets to hang around, literally, and get some sleep as you safely watch over your baby. The bars are high enough that your baby is in no danger of falling out. However, they’re not as high as cribs so you don’t need to bend down as much. New mothers will be recovering from the baby bump, so your back pain won’t be as bad with a bassinet in the house.
A new mother has lots of challenges and some of them can only be met when you have some of these items in your home. A bassinet greatly helps your baby to sleep during the day but also, the mother, to keep up with chores around the house, etc.
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Writing is a viable source of income. In the modern day and age, you don’t just have to knock out a book and hope it reaches a bestseller list – there are multiple types of businesses you can put together to make use of your writing talents. And it’s that freedom that’s got you thinking…
If you’re someone who loves to write, and you know you’ve got it in you to make an income off of it, this is your chance to go full time with the best setup possible! So, without further ado, here are the three things you’ll need to know ahead of time in order to become a full time writer.
Pagan Writer Catherine Green SpookyMrsGreen
You’ll Need a Network
First thing you’re going to need is a real network of writers like you, who are both new to the profession and have been in the business for a while. A network is particularly essential for getting started, as being able to stick together to share tips from the business, and pass on potential client offers, could be the break into the writing world that you’re looking for.
But how do you build such a network? Well, you can start with the usual sites, such as LinkedIn, but don’t discount more niche groups as well. Facebook can be a trove of knowledge for finding the projects you’d like to work on, and simply searching up ‘writer groups’ could be your ticket to success.
You’ll Need a Professional Inbox
If you’re going to go full time as a writer, and you don’t have an assistant or a publishing house to help you out with this (which you definitely don’t quite yet!), you’re going to need to get a professional inbox.
It’ll help you to stay safe when people are getting in touch with you, and it’ll be a very professional sounding place for people to contact you through. You’ll also want a place that’ll let you collect all of your professional mail, both physical and online, and that’s why a virtual address could be of such use to you.
You’ll Need More Than One Way to Make Money
Unless you immediately write the next bestseller, you’re not going to make as much money as you need to in the beginning. And that’s why you need to diversify your portfolio – you need to be able to work on as many different projects as possible, in a variety of sectors, to build your rep as a writer, and to make as much money as possible.
Only take on what you can here, and don’t be afraid to say no. If you think the client you’re currently writing for likes what you do, and could have work in the future, focus on that relationship!
Going full time as a writer is going to be hard, make no mistake. But it’s something you can turn your mind to, as long as you know what to look for and who to connect with for success.
School is such an important part of a child’s life and something that should be taken very seriously. When your kids are young, they take absolutely everything in like sponges – so you need to make sure they’re taking in all the right information.
If you don’t have a tremendous time in school, then it’s not entirely the end of the world, but it could lead to some issues. You’ll have a much better time as a parent and as a family if your child enjoys their school days.
They must learn all kinds of life aspects, but they should also be happy socially and feel comfortable while they attend. If a child (and, later, an adolescent teen) does not have a great time in school, then their perception of the rest of life could take a bit of a hit, too. As a parent, you need to make sure their school days go pretty swimmingly so that the rest of their days can be equally as smooth. Here are a few things you can do:
#MummyMonday Choosing Our High School
Speak To The Teacher Regularly
You obviously shouldn’t be overbearing as that will put pressure on your child and the teacher, but just be sure to check up on how they’re doing. There will be evenings every few months in order to check on everything, but it’s always wise to ask questions and make sure in between. This is especially important when they’re very young, as this is the beginning of their schooling life and will really set the tone for how things go moving forward.
Ensure They Have Everything They Need
Your child will not be able to remember everything as their minds won’t be fully focused on preparing for school. The idea of going to school and getting everything done there will be the main focus. As the parent, you’ll need to make sure they’ve got their backpacks for school filled to the brim with essentials. Their food, books, stationery, and all kinds of important items should be ticked off the list every single day. As they get older, you’ll teach them about the routine, but when they’re much younger, you’ll hold the responsibility.
Boost Their Social Skills Outside Of School
If your child is confident overall, then they’re going to be fine when it comes to attending school. Every single kid on the planet should feel comfortable regarding school, but that’s not always the case, unfortunately. You can build your child’s social skills quite easily. It’s done by allowing them to go out and live life. If you keep them indoors and shelter them too much, then they’re going to struggle around others. Build up their confidence regarding certain skills and let them really flourish.
Be Positive About Schooling And Learning
When you’re positive and upbeat about school as a whole, then you’re going to make them feel a lot better about it. They’ll think it’s a marvelous place that is full of prosperity and infinite learning. If you treat it terribly, then they’ll follow suit and be quite nervous about the entire ordeal.
#MummyMonday Back to School
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With everything happening in the world with Covid-19, it is hard to imagine going traveling, but for some, it will be the first thing they are going to do given a chance. Traveling is something that is widely done by young and older people all over the world, for many different cultures traveling to certain parts of the world are lifetime goals.
Traveling is about increasing your knowledge and understanding of different parts of the world and immersing yourself in their culture; when traveling, you can make new life long friends you would never have thought you would have had. It is about eating food you would never have tried at home and making sure you absorb as much culture and information about that place as possible. A widely traveled part of the world is Asia; if you are thinking of traveling there, then here are a few places you should check out while on your travels.
Malaysia is a beautiful mixture of cultures and a beautiful country to visit. It is made up of Chinese, Indian and Islamic cultures, which makes it a great country to visit; it is almost like visiting multiple countries in one with the touches that they have all added in their own way. Some of the main places you would want to visit are Kuala Lumpur and Penang. There is also a state in Malaysia called Perak with a lovely town called Ipoh; this place is filled with lots to do, including caves, temples, and parks. It is so full of culture and beauty and is a great place to stay should you be traveling in Malaysia; if you are traveling for a long time, there are plenty of places to stay, and you search for Ipoh house to rent and find plenty of places to rent should you want to stay longer.
South Korea
South Korea is one of the overlooked countries when it comes to traveling, which is odd as it is a beautiful country and is one of the safest too, this makes it an ideal place to travel too. When traveling to South Korea, it is best to note that from May to August is the best time to visit as their winters can be harsh, but their summers are beautiful. South Korea is made up of old temples, fishing villages, and densely populated cities; if you are looking for a unique experience and somewhere less traveled, then South Korea is a great place for you.
While in Korea, there is plenty to do, such as visiting local markets, festivals, ancient temples, and grand palaces. There is no shortage of things to do in South Korea; it is covered in culture and things to do in most places you go to; it also has bamboo forests to explore, which will allow you to go out and get some time alone and explore.
Japan
If you are searching for a city location while traveling, then look no further than Japan; it is classed as one of the many beautiful countries in Asia. Japan is also a very technologically advanced country, leading the way in a lot of technology that is then rolled out across the world; they are also a very efficient country, which is what has led to them being ahead of the world when it comes to technological advancement. Although Japan has a lot of the hustle and bustle due to its vast cities, it is also a very beautiful country.
When it comes to Japan, there is so much to do when traveling there; they have numerous days out you can take to shrines, castles, and museums. You can also try immersing yourself in the culture as well by partaking in their karaoke bars, trying their beautiful food such as ramen, soba noodles, and of course, sushi, which is cuisine they are famous for and is popular all around the world. Japan is a fun a quirky place, so if you can throw yourself into their culture and have some fun.
India
When traveling, it can be a concern that some places are not safe to travel to; however, India is not one of those places; they are a very welcoming and hospitable place when it comes to travelers. India is well known for its religion and great food but is also full of beautiful sights to see, such as the taj mahal. Culture is very important to India, which is why their food is always top quality and is well worth the visit to try it first hand and made traditionally.
If you are looking to escape after Covid and getaway back to traveling, then hopefully, these tips will help you to choose to visit the beautiful places in Asia and know what they offer.
Are you a professional writer but are regularly broke for not being productively engaged? You have a writers’ network but it hasn’t paid off yet, and you’re still trying to find your way around.
It’s time to put your writing skills into use to generate a reliable stream of income.
Pagan Writer Catherine Green SpookyMrsGreen
Ideal Business Ideas for Writers
There are numerous profitable small business ideas that require professional writing skills. Other than the media industry, several other industries are always in need of good writers. With the internet being so accessible nowadays, earning money part-time or full-time is not a far-fetched thought.
Here are ideas to set you rolling.
Freelance Ghostwriting
Many businesses, corporate leaders, and wealthy individuals have ideas they’d like to document but lack the time and skill. Some find writing so boring that they’d rather travel or do other productive things than spend time writing. This is where your ghostwriting skills come in.
As a freelance ghostwriter, your job is to contact these people and pitch them. Show them why they should have a professional writer to handle all their writing needs while they take the credit. All this is in exchange for some amount of money that you’ll agree on with them.
However, ensure you charge what you’re worth and don’t undercharge for your services. If you successfully handle one project for one client, they’ll refer you to others. Soon, you’ll be having a constant flow of work, and of course, the money you need.
Start a Blog
Blogs are among the most powerful platforms where businesses and individuals communicate. It’s, therefore, no wonder that there are over 500 million blogs in existence.
Blogging is the canvas on which to express your thoughts and earn while at it. If your blog is fully optimized, you’ll realize the benefits of residual income that comes through paid advertisements.
Having a blog is also an easy way to make online marketers find you. Online entrepreneurs who want content written for them will find it easy to trust you with their work. Your blog is social proof of your writing capabilities.
Business Plan and Proposal Writing
If you’re well-versed with writing business plans or proposals, you should consider doing it as a business. The good part is that it’s something you can start with no cash investment.
Your target market is entrepreneurs who want to source funding to grow or expand their business. If your skills are sharp in this area, you can help such companies write a winning proposal.
Developing Promotional Material
Businesses thrive on regular and consistent marketing. For example, think of an enterprise that specializes in selling used cars and needs to enlarge its market base. You can help the company create attractive advertising materials.
However, to succeed in the business of creating promotional material, you need to have branding expertise. The materials can be for both print and online marketing.
Final Thoughts
If you have been a writer without a regular stream of income, there’s a lot you can do to make money. Consider specializing in money-making skills like ghost-writing, blogging, and proposal writing. Besides, keep networking with other writers to learn how else you can make money as a writer.
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Are you swamped with book marketing and looking for a way to find new sales? Learn simple and effective networking techniques, to grow your readership and connect with other authors and book lovers, today!
Networking for Writers: A Fun Way to Sell More Books by Lizzie Chantree
Networking for Writers by Lizzie Chantree
Whether you are a new or experienced writer, self-published or traditionally published, this book will show you how to grow your readership and author network, through some of the most powerful of all marketing tools – word of mouth and recommendation. Click here to buy the book.
This book will show you:
How networking can help you sell more books.
Why author branding is important.
How networking hours work.
Specific Facebook groups for writers
How to utilise social media to grow your readership.
How not to waste valuable writing time.
How to make our marketing more effective.
Throughout Networking for Writers, we will explore running or attending book signings, hosting seminars, finding a writing buddy or mentor, author networking groups, social media planning and so much more.
International bestselling author and award-winning inventor, Lizzie Chantree, started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year in 2000. She discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now works as a business mentor and runs a popular networking hour on social media, where creatives can support to each other. She writes books full of friendship and laughter, that are about women with unusual and adventurous businesses, who are far stronger than they realise. She lives with her family on the coast in Essex. Visit her website.
Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
